On this page, you can find suggestions for locating and accessing dissertations and theses using USearch, the library's online search tool. Many dissertations and theses can be found and accessed directly through the library's online resources.
To search for dissertations and theses in USearch, first select the Advanced Search link on the library's homepage.
Next, select Dissertation from the Material Type drop-down menu. (This will locate both dissertations and theses.)
Enter your search terms/parameters and press Search when you are ready. All dissertations and theses that meet your search criteria will then appear. Both print and online versions will display if relevant.
Online Dissertations & Theses
To access most online dissertations and theses, you will need to use your NetID (e.g., abc1234). Check out the NetID page for more information.
Dissertations and theses should say Dissertation at the top of their record. Once you have located a dissertation or thesis of interest, click on its title to open the full record.
If it is available online, you will see an online access link, likely through ProQuest. (Check out the ProQuest tab for more information about this database.) To open the resource, click on the link(s) in the View Online section.
Next, enter your NetID, and authenticate with a separate device. Once you do this, the dissertation or thesis should open. For more information about finding, accessing, and using online resources, check out our Finding & Accessing Online Resources Guide.
Once the resource opens, you may have options to download, print, save, etc. For more information, see the ProQuest tab.
Print Dissertations & Theses
Print dissertations and theses will display a call number instead of an online access link.
To access print dissertations and theses, follow these steps.
Most Styberg Library dissertations and theses are only accessible by contacting the library. Some dissertations and theses are accessible downstairs. You can contact us if you are unsure.
Other Northwestern dissertations and theses may be accessible by request. To learn how to request these, check out the Requesting Items guide.